Probiotics - Quotes from the Experts

There is no doubt that the large and varied collection of microorganisms associated with the human body has a profound influence upon the health and disease of the host (that’s you and me). Although research into probiotics is still in its relative infancy, valuable studies are emerging and it has been shown that it’s possible to use probiotics to beneficially alter the human microenvironment. Whilst much of the science and the products involved have concentrated on the intestines, we shouldn't forget that microbe populations occupy every exposed human surface. It shouldn’t be surprising that, in the future, probiotics will also be used to treat ailments other than those related to the gastrointestinal tract. Jeremy Burton PhD, Personal e-mail to the author 20th July 2009

For more than 100 years, probiotic remedies . . . have been used to fight infection. Now, substantial scientific and clinical evidence indicates that certain well-selected probiotic organisms can reduce the risk and duration of diarrhea. Dr Gregor Reid, Probiotics in the Treatment of Diarrheal Diseases, Current Infectious Disease Reports 2000;2(1):78

(Results) suggest that probiotic bacteria may promote endogenous barrier mechanisms in patients with atopic dermatitis and food allergy, and by alleviating intestinal inflammation, may act as a useful tool in the treatment of food allergy.Majamaa H & Isolauri E, Probiotics: a novel approach in the management of food allergy, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1997;99(2):179-185

Ingestion of viable probiotics or prebiotics is associated with anticarcinogenic (anti-cancer) effects.Wollowski I, Rechkemmer G, Pool-Zobel BL, Protective Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Colon Cancer, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2001;73(2 Suppl):451S-455S

This very well-designed, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study is the largest study to date to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a probiotic in the treatment of IBS. Although the mechanism is unknown, this study demonstrates that B.infantis (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624) can improve common IBS symptoms over a 4-week period.Whorwell PJ, Altringer L, Morel J et al, Efficacy of an encapsulated probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in women with IBS. American Journal of Gastroenterology 2006;101:1581-1590

In the group taking probiotic yoghurt alongside antibiotic therapy, side effects were fewer and the rate of eradication of Helicobacter pylori significantly higher than in those following the medication therapy only.Yang HB, Sheu BS, Cheng HC, Kao AW, Wang ST, Yang YJ, Wu JJ, Pretreatment with Lactobacillus- and Bifidobacterium-containing yogurt can improve the efficacy of quadruple therapy in eradicating residual Helicobacter pylori infection after failed triple therapy. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2006; 83: 864-869

The health benefits for which prebiotics can be applied include conditions such as gastrointestinal infections, certain bowel disorders, allergy, and urogenital infections, which afflict a large portion of the world's population. The application of probiotics to prevent and treat these disorders should be more widely considered by the medical community.Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation. Codex Alimentarius Commission , 1-4 October 2001

Amazon reviewer on Kathryn's book Good Gut Bugs:"This book is a must-have for anyone with digestion problems or bowel conditions.Written in Kathryn's own inimitable, entertaining and quirky style, it is full of facts,anecdotes, information and useful advice on sorting out your gut problems. My partner is already well on the way to recovery after I relayed Kathryn's advice to him (you know men hate reading anything intelligent!)"

“I am very impressed, it’s very easy to read; most enjoyable, lighthearted and fun!”

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ALL VISITORS TO THIS WEBSITE:This website is entirely not-for-profit and is set up and supported by Kathryn Marsden purely as a resource to provide information on matters related to health and diet. The material Kathryn has included on this website and also in her books, articles and lectures, is for information only and will have been accumulated and referenced from one or more different sources which may include published journals, meetings and discussions with a number of different practitioners, medical and surgical consultants and international experts, and from her own personal research and experience in practice over many years. From the feedback she has received, it would appear to have helped many people. However, it is important that the reader understands that these guidelines are not intended to be prescriptive, nor are they an attempt to diagnose or treat any specific condition.

If you're concerned in any way about your health, Kathryn ALWAYS strongly recommends that you visit your own doctor or consultant without delay. If you are suffering from any health problem, she stresses the importance of obtaining as many details about your condition as possible and asking plenty of questions about any medicines that may be prescribed to you. Always read the pack leaflet which is included with any prescription medicine and don’t stop taking any medication without first talking to your primary health care provider. The article ‘An Important Note About Prescription Medicines’ may be helpful to you. Kathryn also suggests that you keep your health care provider informed of any specific diets or supplement programmes you may decide upon. In the meantime, follow a varied and sensible healthy eating plan which contains plenty of fresh, unprocessed whole foods, pulses, daily fresh fruit and vegetables, and water. Take regular exercise and try to avoid cigarette smoke.

A final note re illustrations on this website: The majority of photographs and graphics are the property of my husband who has donated them from his own collection especially for the site. However, I have used a few pictures that I already had on file and that were provided to me from other sources as being copyright-free. If anyone believes a photograph that has been included on this basis actually is copyrighted and/or requires permission, then I apologise unreservedly to the owner of that copyright and would ask that they blog me to let me know so that I can either obtain the necessary permission or remove the picture altogether. Thank you.